Question 1

What is Cananga odorata used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lankan Ayurvedic medicine, Cananga odorata is primarily valued for its flowers, which are used in oils and pastes for skin conditions, hair care, and calming therapies. The bark is traditionally used in fever management and tonic formulations. Its essential oil is recognised for cooling and anti-inflammatory properties within the classical dosha framework.

Question 2

Is ylang-ylang the same as Cananga odorata?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ylang-ylang is the common name for Cananga odorata, derived from the Tagalog term meaning 'flower of flowers'. The name refers specifically to the strongly scented yellow-green flowers that are the tree's most commercially and medicinally significant part. The species belongs to the Annonaceae family and is distinct from other plants that share the ylang-ylang name in regional folk traditions.

Question 3

Does Cananga odorata grow naturally in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Cananga odorata is widely cultivated across Sri Lanka's low-country wet and dry zones, though it is not considered strictly endemic to the island. It has been grown in Sri Lanka for centuries, appearing in home gardens, temple grounds, and smallholder farms. The tree is well adapted to the island's tropical climate and is recognised in the official Sri Lankan catalog of Ayurvedic medicinal plants.

Question 4

What chemical compounds are found in ylang-ylang essential oil?

Accepted Answer

The essential oil of Cananga odorata contains a complex mixture of aromatic compounds, most notably linalool, geraniol, benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, and various sesquiterpenes. The precise composition varies depending on the distillation fraction, growing conditions, and harvest timing. These compounds are associated with the oil's antimicrobial, anxiolytic, and antioxidant properties identified in laboratory studies.

Question 5

Are there any proven health benefits of Cananga odorata essential oil?

Accepted Answer

Preliminary research suggests the essential oil may have anxiolytic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Inhalation studies have recorded modest reductions in heart rate and self-reported anxiety. However, most evidence remains at an early stage, and the oil should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider before using it therapeutically.

Question 6

How is ylang-ylang essential oil extracted from Cananga odorata flowers?

Accepted Answer

Ylang-ylang essential oil is produced through steam distillation of fresh flowers, which are ideally harvested early in the morning when aromatic compounds are at their peak. Fractional distillation separates the oil into grades — extra, first, second, and third — each with a distinct aromatic profile used in perfumery or Ayurvedic preparations. Sri Lanka produces oil primarily for domestic Ayurvedic and cosmetics manufacturing.

Question 7

Is Cananga odorata safe to use?

Accepted Answer

The flowers and derived products from Cananga odorata have a long history of safe use in Ayurvedic practice when applied appropriately and in traditional quantities. Undiluted essential oil can cause skin irritation and should be diluted in a carrier oil before topical application. Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies should exercise caution, and pregnant women are advised to seek professional guidance before using any plant-based remedy.

Question 8

What other Ayurvedic plants grow alongside Cananga odorata in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka supports an exceptionally diverse range of Ayurvedic medicinal plants. Species such as Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and Acacia chundra are documented alongside Cananga odorata in the island's official Ayurvedic plant catalog. Many of these plants co-exist in the wet-zone forests and village garden ecosystems of the South-West, contributing to Sri Lanka's status as one of the world's significant repositories of traditional botanical knowledge.